disputed 2nd until after the 2nd, chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, went 2nd again after 2 out until last, one pace
held up in touch in rear, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace
led, not fluent 1st, headed after 5th, pushed along and lost 2nd after 2 out, went 2nd again last, no impression on winner
took keen hold, tracked leader, jumped big 1st, pecked slightly 5th, soon led, clear last, comfortably
It’s difficult to know what Shannon Hill achieved in winning a maiden between the flags in April by 30 lengths as only one of his 10 rivals completed. However, current connections paid £85,000 for him shortly after and he is a half-brother to two winners. RAMBLING RECTOR has only raced on soft going so far under Rules and did win a point on good ground. He’s had wind surgery since last seen and better is expected now with Richard Johnson back on board. Diomede des Mottes will have learned plenty from his sixth at Uttoxeter but Eyreshill is probably best watched.
Eyreshill (IRE) 3-1 (11-6) Alw twrds rr, 10th 1/2way & 11th 4out, rem 9th 2out, ko bhnd, 8th of 13, dist behind Beyondthestorm (11-11) at Moira 3m mdn hvy in Dec.
Gambling Gamut (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Held up, took keen hold, headway 5th, not fluent 7th, 4th and no extra 3 out, 4th of 9, 33 1/2l behind Motueka (11-12) at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Oct.
Rambling Rector (FR) 12-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, pushed along after 3rd, ridden when mistake 5th, weakened after next, pulled up before 3 out, at Chepstow 3m (4) sft in Mar.
Shannon Hill 9-4fav (10-7) Led 7; drew clr bypassing 3 out; unchall, won at Brampton Bryan 3m mdn in Apr beating Round Robin (12-0) by dist, 12 ran.
Diomede Des Mottes (FR) 25-1 (10-12) Mid-division, took keen hold, lost place 3 out, well beaten next, 6th of 13, 15 1/4l behind Tokay Dokey (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gs in Oct.